Sardar Khan, 'Gangs of Wasseypur' (2012)
In Anurag Kashyap's magnum opus, 'Gangs of Wasseypur,' Bajpayee embodied the complex character of Sardar Khan with unparalleled brilliance. His portrayal of the vengeful and patriarchal gangster showcased his ability to seamlessly transition between vulnerability and ferocity, earning him critical acclaim and a cult following.